Join the debate

Now take it on a group-test with a Range Rover and the other lot, and see how it does in the extreme conditions it's said to be built for

Don't bother jallolupping it around a race track or up and down a sand dune, which gives an artificial sense that these types of cars are genuine off-roaders because of the planing effect of the huge tyres.

For once, would you mind testing these lumps properly and videoing it? And if Porsche and BMW put pressure on you to shy away from evaluating their 4x4s properly, tell them to get stuffed and use a rental for the report.

Looking at the second picture which shows the whole Porsche line-up, they don't make an attractive looking car do they. Their cars don't even have the look of say the Nissan GTR or current Ferrari's whose aesthetic look is governed by engineering and aerodynamics. Just plain ugly.

Looks aside. (As this always the first predictable angle of attack.) The Cayenne is a superb off roader.

No doubt, there are those who will say, "But who takes it off road?" or "They won't go off road!" I a few who have, as an alternative to a Range Rover.

Was it as good? No it wasn't, but it was a whole lot better than the X5 and M Class. Those who did take it off road felt that they needed a more 'aggressive' Mud Terrain tyre, but many never got that serious with it. That said, they were pleasingly surprised with it's approach and departure angle, adjustable ride height and off road abilities.

I 'll follow the prdictable angle of attack here and say "Ghastly part 2" !
There are clearly a gazillion people out there with no taste or aesthetic balance whatsoever. I say bravo Porsche for tapping that market, I personally wouldn't be seen dead in one.

[quote Stephen Guckel]The Cayenne is a superb off roader.[/quote]
As someone who has actually driven one off road, I have to agree. It is a truly awesome vehicle.
I have to make the point - out of those who criticise the Cayenne, who has actually driven one?

[quote Harry_Boy][quote Stephen Guckel]The Cayenne is a superb off roader.[/quote] As someone who has actually driven one off road, I have to agree. It is a truly awesome vehicle. I have to make the point - out of those who criticise the Cayenne, who has actually driven one?[/quote]

Plus, Ok this is a UK mag and site but Porsche design cars for the world. There are plenty of places around the globe where this car is one of the best ways of getting around. It's not all about us.

Just as an example:

If I lived in Cyprus, one of these would be on my list (if I could afford it!!) as the roads there are a complete mix of smooth (for the performance) and potholed, gravel tracks. You guessed it perfect for a 911!

[quote Stephen Guckel]The Cayenne is a superb off roader.[/quote] As someone who has actually driven one off road, I have to agree. It is a truly awesome vehicle. I have to make the point - out of those who criticise the Cayenne, who has actually driven one?

[/quote]Harry, while I have not driven one I feel I can criticise a Cayenne on how it looks, the previous one was butt ugly! however this one seems to be trying to address that failing. I will defer to your better knowledge on how it drives.